Monday, July 25, 2005
Treating Baby/Infantile Eczema
Infantile seborrhoeic eczema or cradle cap usually develops during the first year of a baby's life. It takes the form of a greasy, scaly scalp. Although it looks unpleasant, this type of eczema does not appear to trouble the baby and often clears up on its own. Treatments
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for most forms of eczema. There are various treatments and some have risks or disadvantages associated with them.
Emollients
Using emollients regularly is the most important factor in preventing eczema. Emollients are mixtures of oils, fats and water which help to restore the oil and moisture content of the skin. They are available from pharmacists or on prescription, in the form of creams, ointments, soap substitutes, lotions and medicinal bath oils.Risks:take care when bathing. The creams and oils make the bath and the child slippery.
Bathing
Frequent bathing is essential. Add special emulsifying oils to counteract the drying effects and have the water warm, not too hot.
Topical steroids (steroids that are applied directly to the skin) are anti-inflammatory treatments to bring eczema under control quickly, to reduce the risk of infection. They should only be used under the supervision of a doctor and it is essential to use the appropriate strength and quantity. Only one topical steroid can be bought from a pharmacist without a prescription. This is hydrocortisone and is sold as a cream or ointment. It can be used to treat mild eczema but it should not be used on the eyes, face or other sensitive areas of the body. Risks:From time to time steroids receive adverse publicity and are branded as potentially dangerous medications. The likelihood of side effects (thinning of the skin, increase of fine hair growth) is related to the potency of the preparation, where it is being used and the condition of the skin. There is also a risk that topical steroids could be absorbed into the blood through the skin. This could slow growth in children by suppressing the adrenal gland.
Antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to aid sleep and relieve itching. A doctor should always be consulting before giving antihistamines to children.Risks:Very occasionally, antihistamines can cause children to become over-active.
A number of studies have looked at the effect of evening primrose oil in treating eczema. Unfortunately, the results have not been conclusive - some trials have seen an overall improvement in the eczema of those patients studied, while others have not. Evening primrose oil is available on prescription for the treatment of atopic eczema under the brand name EPOGAM™. Risks: This form of treatment is not suitable for children with epilepsy.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for most forms of eczema. There are various treatments and some have risks or disadvantages associated with them.
Emollients
Using emollients regularly is the most important factor in preventing eczema. Emollients are mixtures of oils, fats and water which help to restore the oil and moisture content of the skin. They are available from pharmacists or on prescription, in the form of creams, ointments, soap substitutes, lotions and medicinal bath oils.Risks:take care when bathing. The creams and oils make the bath and the child slippery.
Bathing
Frequent bathing is essential. Add special emulsifying oils to counteract the drying effects and have the water warm, not too hot.
Topical steroids (steroids that are applied directly to the skin) are anti-inflammatory treatments to bring eczema under control quickly, to reduce the risk of infection. They should only be used under the supervision of a doctor and it is essential to use the appropriate strength and quantity. Only one topical steroid can be bought from a pharmacist without a prescription. This is hydrocortisone and is sold as a cream or ointment. It can be used to treat mild eczema but it should not be used on the eyes, face or other sensitive areas of the body. Risks:From time to time steroids receive adverse publicity and are branded as potentially dangerous medications. The likelihood of side effects (thinning of the skin, increase of fine hair growth) is related to the potency of the preparation, where it is being used and the condition of the skin. There is also a risk that topical steroids could be absorbed into the blood through the skin. This could slow growth in children by suppressing the adrenal gland.
Antihistamines are sometimes prescribed to aid sleep and relieve itching. A doctor should always be consulting before giving antihistamines to children.Risks:Very occasionally, antihistamines can cause children to become over-active.
A number of studies have looked at the effect of evening primrose oil in treating eczema. Unfortunately, the results have not been conclusive - some trials have seen an overall improvement in the eczema of those patients studied, while others have not. Evening primrose oil is available on prescription for the treatment of atopic eczema under the brand name EPOGAM™. Risks: This form of treatment is not suitable for children with epilepsy.
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